GoPro Sportsman Mount - User Manual

Sportsman
™
Mount
MOUNT YOUR GOPRO TO GUNS,
BOWS + FISHING RODS.
USER GUIDE

Summary

Whats Included

Sportsman Mount

Details the main Sportsman Mount and its compatibility with various barrel diameters.

Mounting Components

Covers the tightening lever, extension arm, brackets, bracket screw, and thumb screws.

Housing Backdoor Mounts

Explains Dive and Standard Housing Backdoor Mounts for securing camera housings during recoil.

Getting Started

Mounting the Sportsman Mount

Guides on how to adjust and secure the mount using the tightening lever.

Safety Warnings

Provides essential safety warnings regarding firearm handling, recoil, and proper usage.

Mounting Suggestions: Barrel

Under Barrel Mounting

Instructions for mounting the camera under the barrel using the center bracket for unobstructed operation.

Side Barrel Mounting

Guidance for mounting cameras to the side of the barrel using the side bracket for different perspectives.

Mounting Suggestions: Bow

Forward Bow Mounting

Details on mounting the camera forward on the bow riser for downrange point-of-view footage.

Backward Bow Mounting

Instructions for mounting the camera backward on the bow riser to capture draw and release actions.

Mounting to the Bow Riser

Riser Mounting Options

Explores various mounting options on bow risers, considering size, shape, and avoiding moving parts.

Mounting Suggestions: Rod

Forward Rod Mounting

Guidance for mounting the camera forward on the fishing rod grip, opposite the reel.

Backward Rod Mounting

Instructions for mounting the camera backward on the fishing rod grip for rearward-facing footage.

Pro Tips and Support

Offers tips on audio capture, camera control, barrel mounting, and customer support information.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Mounting Suggestions
4. Maintenance Features
5. Customer Support

The GoPro Sportsman™ Mount is a versatile accessory designed for mounting your GoPro camera to various sporting equipment, including guns, bows, and fishing rods. This user guide provides comprehensive instructions on how to set up and use the mount effectively, ensuring you capture your outdoor adventures from unique perspectives.

Function Description

The Sportsman™ Mount allows you to securely attach your GoPro camera to objects with diameters ranging from 0.4" to 0.9" (10mm to 23mm). This includes gun barrels, bow components, and fishing rod grips. The mount is engineered to provide stable camera placement, even during recoil or active use, enabling you to record high-quality footage of your hunting, fishing, or archery activities.

Usage Features

The mount consists of several key components that facilitate its versatile application:

• Sportsman™ Mount Body: This is the main clamping mechanism that attaches to your equipment. It features a tightening lever that adjusts the width of the clamp, allowing for various sizes and placements. The lever can be pivoted as desired once the clamp is tight.
• Dive + Standard Housing Backdoor Mounts: These mounts secure your GoPro housing to the Sportsman™ Mount and help stabilize the camera during recoil. Standard (waterproof) and Skeleton (not waterproof) Backdoor Mounts are included. For HERO4 Session cameras, the frames that came with your camera should be used. It's important to note that Standard Housing Backdoor Mounts and the Standard Frame are not recommended for use with magnum or other high-recoil ammunition, such as turkey loads.
• Brackets: The kit includes center and side brackets. These brackets attach the camera housings and frames to the Sportsman™ Mount.
• Bracket Screw: This screw is used to secure the brackets to the mount.
• Straight Extension Arm: This arm is used when mounting the camera to a bow or fishing rod grip, providing additional reach and positioning options.
• Thumb Screws: These screws secure the straight extension arm and the camera housing or frame to the brackets.

Mounting Suggestions:

The manual provides detailed suggestions for mounting the GoPro to different types of equipment:

• Barrel Mounting (Guns):

  • Under Barrel: Use the center bracket to mount the camera under the barrel. This placement ensures unobstructed operation of the firearm.
  • Side Barrel: Use the side bracket to mount one or two cameras to the side of the barrel. This allows for capturing footage looking forward (downrange), backward, or both directions simultaneously.
  • PRO TIP for Barrel Mounting: Recoil can cause HERO4 Session cameras to gradually move forward in the frame. Before reloading, ensure the camera sits flush against the back of the frame to prevent it from falling out. Also, be sure to tighten the clamp securely to the barrel to prevent it from slipping during recoil. Using a screwdriver or The Tool to tighten the thumb screw can further prevent the camera angle from shifting.

• Bow Mounting:

  • Forward: Attach the mount to the riser, facing forward, to capture a downrange POV.
  • Backward: Attach the mount to the top of the riser, angled down and backward, to capture your stalk and the bow's draw and release.
  • Mounting to the Riser: Risers offer various mounting options depending on their size, shape, and style. Choose placements that allow for the bow's natural motion and avoid moving parts like limbs, cables, and cams. Some stabilizers are also compatible with the Sportsman™ Mount.
  • PRO TIP for Bow Mounting: Use the GoPro App as a viewfinder to set up your shot and confirm your capture angle. When attaching the mount to wooden or carbon fiber bows, do not overtighten the mount to prevent damage.

• Rod Mounting (Fishing Rods):

  • General Rule: Always mount to the grip, not the blank.
  • Forward: Use the center bracket to capture a down-the-rod point of view. Mount it to the grip on the side opposite the reel to ensure the line and reel remain unimpeded.
  • Backward: Use the side bracket and straight extension arm to look back at the angler. Mount it on the grip just forward of the reel, with the camera facing backward.

Maintenance Features

While the manual doesn't explicitly detail maintenance features, it provides several "PRO TIPS" that contribute to the longevity and optimal performance of your GoPro and the Sportsman™ Mount:

• Tightening: Always ensure the mount is securely tightened to prevent movement during use, especially during recoil. For fishing rods and wooden/carbon fiber bows, avoid overtightening to prevent damage.
• Recoil Management: Be mindful of recoil, which can cause the camera to shift. Regularly check the camera's position and re-secure it if necessary.
• Environmental Considerations:
  • Audio Capture: For enhanced audio in dry, dust-free environments, consider using the Skeleton Backdoor Mount or a frame.
  • Hunting: For optimal use during hunting, turn off the camera's LED lights and sound indicator in Setup or Settings mode to avoid startling game.
  • Fishing: To prevent losing your camera while fishing, tether the camera housing, frame, or the mount itself to your rod using high-test fishing line or a GoPro Camera Tether.
• Safety: Always visually check that your hunting equipment (firearm or bow) is unloaded before attaching, adjusting, or removing the Sportsman™ Mount. Never assume a firearm is unloaded and always follow firearm safety instructions. Do not use the mount if the barrel of the firearm is too hot to touch. Ensure the mount does not interfere with the operation of the trigger, safety, or other mechanisms of your firearm. Comply with all state, local, or record book regulations regarding mounting electronics to hunting equipment.

Customer Support

GoPro is dedicated to providing the best possible service. For customer support, visit gopro.com/support.

The Sportsman™ Mount is designed to be a durable and reliable accessory, allowing you to capture immersive footage of your outdoor pursuits. By following the instructions and tips provided, you can maximize its potential and ensure safe operation.

GoPro Sportsman Mount Specifications